thickening agent for gelcoat

[Salty Sal]

Can I use ordinary talc powder that you buy in CVS , Duane Reade, etc. to thicken gelcoat?

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: thickening agent for gelcoat

Considering the cost of gelcoat, I believe I'd use that the manufacturer recommends.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: thickening agent for gelcoat

Most marine supply stores that carry resin will have products to thicken gel coat (and resin, the same stuff is used). Many things will work and all of them will give you different results, milled fiber will be lumpy but strong, cabosil (fumed silica)will be smoother and weaker, some types of talc can be used, but it's not that good around water, it can absorb it.

 

[Salty Sal]

Re: thickening agent for gelcoat

Thank you for your reply

 

[surlyjoe]

Re: thickening agent for gelcoat

cabosil is what your supposed to use in gelcoat, milled fiber is visible in the surface and talc/quatz (Q-cell) is too soft. cabosil is brittle but hard, gelcoat is not supposed to be structural.